John Middleton used to tell Newton County Commissioner Lanier Sims that he was the BOC's "eyes in the sky" when it came to running the county's daily affairs. Now that he's passed, those who worked closely with Middleton feel he really is watching from above.

The national measles outbreak has ignited a firestorm debate over immunization, but while most Newton County parents appear to strongly support vaccination, few of those who spoke with The News were ready to do away with personal choice when it comes to immunization.

Eleven-year-old Cyler Wilcox has had a difficult year, first losing her father in November and then discovering that her grandmother, who is also her legal guardian, has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

The third time was the charm for Indian Creek Middle School student Jet Rawls, winner of the 2015 Newton County School System Spelling Bee. Rawls, a sixth-grader, participated in the NCSS Spelling Bee as the East Newton Elementary School champion during his fourth and fifth grade years but just missed out on the top prize each time. This year, the super speller successfully spelled "ominous" and "disguise" to clinch the championship. Clements Middle School student Jayden Wheeler was this year's runner up.

Dr. Andrea Washington purchased hundreds of eyeglasses to donate to the Oxford Lions Club. On Wednesday, Dr. Washington and her staff gifted the eyeglasses to Mr. Richard Henderson and Martha Molyneux at her office.

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Gary Lee Hunt, 47, and his wife had been drinking Friday evening when Hunt decided to show his wife his gun. According to Newton County Sheriff's Office Public Information Officer, Lt. Tyrone Oliver, he was trying to show his wife how to shoot his gun.

To show their appreciation to Covington city council, the African American Historical Association has invited the city to attend a consecration ceremony for the 300 unmarked graves recently discovered in City Cemetery.

Blueberry cobbler is such a yummy summer treat and it can be super easy to make on the cheap when the berries are in season. My Littles and I are big, big fans of blueberry cobbler and I love seeing their stained berry smiles after they gobble up this homemade goodness. I can never decide if I like blueberry cobbler served warm with ice cream or served cold the next day.

Operation Sandbox dressed up as The Dukes of Hazzard Saturday on the Square to gather supplies to send overseas to our troops. Exact replicas of some famous Dukes vehicles were on site, and participants dressed up as several key characters.